The room stood and, when the king gave a general acknowledgement with a slight incline of his head, all bowed or curtsied deeply. The announcer allowed us to be seated and the sound of chairs on the floors filled the air for a few moments before everything settled. I purposely sat at one of the farthest tables and tried to keep myself out of sight.

“It is with great pleasure that I greet you all tonight. As you all know, tonight marks my son’s eighteenth birthday. What you may not know is that tonight is also the night that my son will announce his engagement.” Clearly, the king was a man of few words. “I will now have my son announce the woman of his choice.” The king stepped aside and Andrien replaced him as the center of attention.

“Good evening,” he greeted the room. His hands shook minutely with nervousness, but he managed to keep his voice steady. “Thank you all for coming. I’d like to introduce you all to my future bride,” he paused and I swear I heard him murmur, “if she’ll have me.”